Community Care’s Kms for Care raised over $48,000

Sunday, April 27 proved to be a great success for the 4th annual Kms for Care event.

Over 600 runners participated in 10km, 5km or 1km events at Trent University. Together with participants, sponsors and supporters over $48,000 was raised, with proceeds providing support for Community Care’s programs and services in the City and County of Peterborough.

It was great to see a mix of participants from beginners taking part in their first chip-timed event, to experienced competitive runners, as well as many children participating independently or alongside a parent in the 1 Km Family Fun Run. This event truly appeals to all ages and abilities.

The doubling of 5km Teams, from nine last year to an amazing 18 this year, provided a great focus on teamwork, which coincides with the values of Community Care. It took a team, 116 volunteers strong, to host this event.

Paris Marine won the top team fundraising prize, dinner for all team members at Boston Pizza in Peterborough. They’ve selected to help another not for profit and have arranged with Boston Pizza to donate their prize to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough.

Top individual fundraiser was Jim Squire, a long time volunteer with Community Care’s Harvey and Peterborough offices, who raised $2,540. Following Squire, raising over $1,000.00 was Marilyn Davison, also a long time volunteer with their Havelock office.

This didn’t surprise Fundraising and Events Coordinator Mary Reynolds, “The volunteers see first hand how critical the services we provide are and I am sure that’s motivating them to fundraise at that level.”

Several changes were made this year, with the event changing from its previous Ennismore location to Trent University. A new 10km race was added to replace the half marathon.

Peterborough’s Ryan Reid was the overall winner of the 10km. Gustav Finley, a student at St. Peter’s won the 5km. Laiken Breau was the top boy in the 1km, followed closely behind by Julia Reynolds who was the top girl. Dead on Arrival, a team composed of eight coworkers from McCloskey International had the top overall team time.

Great strides were made over last year, when 482 participated and almost $40,000 was raised.

Race Director Lynne Faught, who is also a long time Meals on Wheels volunteer added, “The entire Steering Committee is so pleased with the increase in participants this year. It is a wonderful cause and great for our community. With more participants, more money will be raised.”

The highlight of the day was when Peterborough’s Eddo Hoekstra walked in the 1km. Hoekstra, who turns 50 this year, had been training to compete in the Kms for Care 5km event when he suffered a stroke in 2012 that left him partially paralyzed. He was determined to finally take part this year and was greeted to the cheers and applause of many upon his return to the finish line.

The 5th annual Kms for Care event will take place on April 26, 2015 and the committee is looking forward to seeing everyone from this year and many new faces. They are also looking for members to join their 2015 Steering Committee. Those interested can call Mary at 705-742-7067.

Proceeds from Kms for Care help fund volunteer driven programs that provide essential services to seniors, as well as adults with physical challenges, such as Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Home Help and Maintenance, Personal Distress Alarms, Reassurance Checks, Health and Wellness Programs and more.